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Run remembers, supports victims of violence

East Airdrie’s pathways will be packed with runners getting their sweat on for a good cause April 14, when the annual Legacy Run to End Family Violence takes place, once again.
Running for a cause
Airdrie’s only half-marathon event is coming back to town April 14. The Legacy Run to End Family Violence will support North Rocky View Community Links and the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society.

East Airdrie’s pathways will be packed with runners getting their sweat on for a good cause April 14, when the annual Legacy Run to End Family Violence takes place, once again.

Proceeds from the event will support North Rocky View Community Links (NRVCL) and the Airdrie and District Victims Assistance Society (ADVAS), with the funds raised allowing the two charities to provide front-line programs and services to those impacted by family violence.

“We do rely heavily on community donations, so it’s wonderful to have the community out to support us, as well as build the awareness we need to defeat family violence, and get that awareness out,” said ADVAS Executive Director Michelle Wagner.

In the past, the  event was run by the Rotary Club of Airdrie and known as the Tour de Airdrie, until Legacy Endurance took it over two years ago. Now in its third year, the Legacy Run offers races for all levels of distance runners, including five-kilometre (km), 10-km and half-marathon options.

The run starts and finishes at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park, with participants passing through the Meadowbrook and Kings’ Heights neighbourhoods.

More than 200 runners participated in the event in 2017, and the 2018 rendition saw more than 175 register. Last year’s event raised $9,500, with the proceeds split evenly by the two groups.

Wagner said she hopes the event garners similar support this year.

“The weather is looking really good, so we’re hoping that’s going to work in our favour and get people out,” she said.

According to Wagner, the proceeds ADVAS receives from the run will go toward its court program.

“We support individuals who become involved in the criminal justice system,” she said. “We offer court support, court accompaniment and court prep, so people who do have to become involved with that system are aware of the system, how it works and the supports that are available to them.”

NRVCL Community Engagement Manager Laurie Jacob-Toews said a big part of the event is about honouring the memory of Andrea Conroy – an Airdronian who was stabbed to death by her boyfriend in 2012 at the age of 33. The five-km portion of the run will be dedicated in her honour.

“When we got together to talk about what we wanted to achieve through this run, it was really about keeping Andrea’s memory first and foremost in the community, and just letting people know we’re still keeping that top of mind,” Jacob-Toews said.

The half-marathon will begin at 9 a.m., with 10-km participants to follow at 9:30 a.m. and five-km runners taking off at 10 a.m. The cost to register is $60 for the half-marathon and $40 for the five- or 10-km runs.

However, those who register as a team of four or more can receive a discount of $15 for the half-marathon or $5 if they participate in either the five- or 10-km events.

“We hope to see a lot of community members out there – it’s going to be a great day,” Wagner said.

“We have Davis Chevrolet bringing their barbecue out to cook up some hamburgers. We’re hoping people can stop by to support the event, as well as cheer all the runners on.”

To register for the Legacy Run to End Family Violence, visit legacyendurance.com/legacy-run

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